Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple

Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple

Ramanathaswamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple in India dedicated to god Shiva. It is located in the island of Rameswaram. According Myths, Lord Rama is believed to have prayed to Shiva here to absolve any sins that he might have committed during his war against the demon king Ravana. The temple is one of the holiest Hindu Char Dham shrines that has to be visited in one's lifetime and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

This temple has high compound wall (madil) on all four sides of the temple premises measuring about 865 feet furlong from east to west and one furlongs of 657 feet from north to south with huge towers (Gopurams) at the east and west and finished gate towers on the north and south. The temple has striking long corridors in its interior, running between huge colonnades on platforms above five feet high.

Six worship services are carried out each day, the first being at 5am. Special worship services are carried out every Friday. Rama's worship is commemorated in the month of Aani (June 15-July 15); two annual Bhrammotsavams are celebrated in Aadi and in Maasi.

Legend has it that Hanuman was entrusted with the task of bringing an image of Viswanathar from Benares. Anticipating delay in Hanuman's return from Benares, Rama is said to have offered worship at a pre-chosen auspicious moment to a Shivalingam fashioned out of earth by Sita. This lingam is referred to as Ramalingam and the town is known as Rameswaram.

There is yet another Shivalingam here - Viswanathar said to have been brought by Hanuman from Banares. This Shivalingam is referred to as Kasilingam and Hanumalingam. Prayers are offered to Viswanathar before they are offered to Ramanathaswamy.

Agnitheertham

Agnitheertham

Agnitheertham is a pilgrim place where in people believes that taking bath in the place washes away their sins. The temple is constructed facing the eastern direction and there is a large lake in the temple whose water is considered to be holy enough. There are about 22 wells in this place and it is one amongst the 12 jyotirlings of India. The water of all the 22 wells has different taste and one can taste the waters of all of them so as to have all flavors of life in it.

It is believed that the water has several medicinal properties too and several different life threatening diseases can be cured by taking water from the different wells from this place.

Theethams are shallow waters of the sea extending upto some metres. There are 22 such theerthams in Rameshwaram. Hindus believe that a bath in all of these theerthams will remove our sins. In legend, Lord SriRam took a bath in Agni theertham after killing Ravana and worshipped the deity here. Hence these theerthams are considered as holy for pilgrims.

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants. You will be under the open sky. The sun could be harsh in the noon, so carry along your sunshades, hat, sunscreen lotion, and a bottle of drinking water. It will Open through the year.

Satchi Hanuman Temple

Satchi Hanuman Temple

Satchi Hanuman Temple, it is considered to be the place where Hanuman delivered the good news of finding Sita to Rama with satchi or evidence, Choodamani or the jewel that belonged to Sita. Situated 3 km from the main temple, on the way to the Gandamadana Parvatham.

Hanuman occupies a prized place in the Great Indian Epic, the Ramayana. He was  ardently devoted to Lord Rama and helped him rescue his consort goddess Sita from the Rakshasa King Ravana. Ravana was extremely powerful and was blessed with several boons. It is a five faced temple located in Rameshwaram, the city of temples. The shrine houses the beautiful idol of Lord Hanuman drawn with sindoor. It is called five faced temple because according to the great Hindu mythology, Hanuman revealed his profile with five faces. The five faces are of Lord Hanuman, Lord Narasimha,Lord Adivaraha, Lord Hayagriva and Lord Garuda.

According to the legend the idols of Lord Rama, goddess Sita and Hanuman which were transported to Rameshwaram from Dhanushkodi  when cyclone hit it in the year 1964. Hanuman symbolises sacrifice, devotion, loyalty and bravery. He is worshipped across the country with great faith.

For the devotees of Hanuman number five holds immense importance. The reasons for this is the association of the number with the Lord. According to Hindu mytology Hanuman has five faces(pancha mukha), and five bodies(pancha daha). He rose above the five senses(pancha indriyas).

Badrakaliamman Temple

A giant temple of Badrakali exists in southern India and there is a wonderful tower with its top studded in gold and at the same time the statue too is made from gold. This is what attracts everyone to visit the place. Several voluntary organizations have come up to manage the giant temple and its functioning.

The temple has been renovated from time to time and hence different master pieces of different ages can be seen in the temple. It is the largest temple of Ma Kali in southern India and she is the holy mother for several followers in southern India.

The temple has seen many renovations over the times, which explains the variety of masterpieces belonging to different periods.

Devi Durga, situated 2 kms. from the main temple on the way to the Gandamadana Parvatham.

Five faced Hanuman Temple

Five faced Hanuman Temple

It is an ancient temple; you can tell from the weathered-look of the structure, and an unmistakable old-world aura. Inside is a rare depiction of Lord Hanuman with five faces. Hindu mythology has it that Lord Hanuman revealed his five-faceted avatar at this site, and was soon after smeared with orange-colored vermilion. The revealed five-faces with five different bodies were of Lord Hanuman, Lord Narasimha, Lord Adivaraha, Lord Hayagriva and Lord Garuda. At this point, he, supposedly, rose above the five senses.

The little temple also has an idol of the most loved deity of Rameshwaram, Lord Rama along with that of his wife, Goddess Sita, and brother Laxman. Lord Rama’s and Sita’s idols were salvaged from cyclone hit Dhanushkodi in 1964, and brought to Rameshwaram. The shrine of five-faced Hanuman is hugely popular among the locals, and outsiders as well. So deep-rooted is their faith that they regard the deities like living beings in flesh and blood.

Another curious feature of the temple is the floating stones in a smallish water tank in the courtyard. The stones (or rocks) are oval-shaped covered with tiny craters - like a coral – and stays afloat. Examine by thrusting them downwards, and watch them bob back up! These floating stones are believed to be the ones that make up the legendary Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge), spanning across the sea from Rameshwaram all the way up to Mannar in Sri Lanka. According to Hindu mythology, Sugreev's monkey army built this bridge of stepping stones across the sea for Lord Rama to crossover into Sri Lanka to rescue Sita from demon king, Ravana.

JadaTheertham

JadaTheertham

Jadayu, King of the Birds, who fought in vain with Ravana, the demon to save Sita, is said to have fallen down here as his wings were severed.  Sand dunes surround the temple and the pond.  The water in the pond is as sweet as that of a tender coconut.  

Jada Tirtham, a small temple enclosed within the holy tirtham, Kaveri Tirtham which is dedicated to the God Kapardishvara. The Jada Tirtham temple is located near a large and huge Peepal tree and is significant as mythology says that the deities rested here during their banvas. Although small in structure, its art work and lattice work are astonishing and are masterpieces. It is renowned for its charm, unique art work and beauty.

To reach Jada Theertham :

By Air:

Madurai is the nearest airport to Rameshwaram, which is located at a distance of 163 km away from Rameshwaram. Madurai is connected to many cities by air including Coimbatore, Chennai and Bangalore. International travellers have to get connecting flights from Chennai International airport. Pre-paid taxi services in Madurai airport charge about Rs 3500 to Rameshwaram.

By Rail:

Rameshwaram (Mandapan station just 2 km away) is well connected by rail with many south Indian cities including Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Thanjavur and Trichy.

By Road:

Tamil Nadu Road Transport Corporation buses connect Rameshwaram with all cities in Tamil Nadu, including Kanyakumari, Madurai, Trichy and Thanjavur. Overnight deluxe super fast buses connect Chennai and Bangalore with Rameshwaram; both cities are nearly 600 km away. The bus fare is about Rs 1700.

Nambu Nayagiamman Temple

Nambu Nayagiamman Temple

Rameshwaram has many temples and many are dedicated to Lord Rama; out of these temples one stands out by way of its unique and special features of being a huge yet simple temple; the 14th century Nambu Nayagiamman Temple which is situated in Ramnad district and built by the locals of Ramnad itself. It has gigantic bells and lovely gardens surrounding it giving it an aura of beauty and simplicity. It comes on the way towards Dhanushkodi and a trip here is incorporated in all the tours and pilgrimage journeys of Rameshwar.

As you approach the shrine, the synchronized chiming of bells will catch your ears. Gigantic bells dangle from the temple entrance, and a lovely garden spreads out around it. The main shrine is an open, airy space allowing ample sunlight in. On the way to Dhanushkodi, the Nambu Nayagiamman temple is a good stopover, particularly for its pleasant ambience.

This ancient shrine built by the locals of Ramnad village to immortalize their faith in Lord Rama. The shrine is well on your way to Dhanushkodi. The site is very peaceful and free of irritants An early morning visit is preferable, before the pilgrims begin to trickle in. Besides, morning the weather remains pleasant to explore the surrounding area on foot.

Kothandaramaswamy Temple

Kothandaramaswamy Temple

Kothandaramaswamy temple is situated on the southern most tip of India and is situated on the island near Bay of Bengal. Indian Ocean covers it from all its sides. There had been several instances of cyclone in the area but the temple stayed to be intact even in most critical times.

It too has the history and story of Ramayan in its footings. Here, Vibhishana, Ravan's brother joined hands with Rama and hence Vibhishana too is worshiped at this place. The temple has several wonderful paintings all around the walls of it which flows with the flow of Ramayana and one can enjoy being in the temple with the guide who keeps narrating the story at every instance of time.

It is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal Ocean on all four sides and the amazing part is that it has weathered and survived even the most violent storms and cyclones that have battered the island. The temple historical importance lies in being a part of Ramayana. It is here where Ravan's younger brother Vibhishana joined Lord Rama in the war against King Ravana. Hence, Vibhishana is also revered here. The walls are adorned with the marvelous and superb paintings that portray the story of the Ramayana. You can enjoy the temple and its vicinity along with a guide who shall narrate the story all through the trip.

Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi is situated in the South-East of Pamban. Danushkodi is about 18 miles (29 km) West of Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. The Dhanushkodi railway line running from Pamban Station was destroyed in the 1964 cyclone and a passenger train with over 100 passengers drowned in the sea.

Dhanushkodi has the only land border between India and Sri Lanka which is one of the smallest in the world-just 50 yards in length on a shoal in Palk Strait. Before the 1964 cyclone, Dhanushkodi was a flourishing tourist and pilgrimage town. Since Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) is just 19 miles (31 km) away, there were many ferry services between Dhanushkodi and Talaimannar of Ceylon, transporting travellers and goods across the sea. There were hotels, textile shops and dharmashalas catering to these pilgrims and travellers. The Railway line to Dhanushkodi–which did not touch Rameshwaram then and destroyed in the 1964 cyclone-went directly from Mandapam to Dhanushkodi. Dhanushkodi in those days had a railway station, a small railway hospital, a higher secondary school, a post office, customs and port offices etc.

The storm was unique in many ways. It all started with a formation of a depression with its centre at 5N 93E in South Andaman Sea on 17 December 1964. On 19 December it intensified into a cyclonic storm. The formation of depression at such low latitudes as 5N is rare in Indian seas though such cases of typhoon development within 5 degrees of Equator has been reported in North Western Pacific. The Rameshwaram storm was not only formed at such low latitude but also intensified into a severe cyclonic storm at about the same latitude is indeed a rare occurrence. After 21 December 1964, its movement was westwards, almost in a straight line, at the rate of 250 miles (400 km) to 350 miles (560 km) per day. On 22 December it crossed Vavunia of Ceylon ( now called Sri Lanka) with a wind velocity of 150 knots (280 km/h), moved into Palk Strait in the night and crashed into Dhanushkodi of Rameshwaram island on the night of 22–23 December 1964. It was estimated that tidal waves were 8 yards high when it crossed Rameshwaram.

Villoondi Theertham

Villoondi Theertham

Villoondi literally translated stands for ‘buried bow’.   It is quite well known that Lord Ram always carried a bow. According to legend, at this sacred spot, located around 7 kilometers from the main temple on the way to Pamban, is this puranic place, significant because it was at this place where Lord Ram is said to have quenched the thirst of Sita by dipping the bow into the sea water. Even to this day, tourists throng this place to see where potable water is available within the vicinity of sea water.

It is considered to be a sacred place by most of the followers of Lord Rama. A single spot where drinking water is available in the midst of salty sea makes the great attraction for the people to visit the place. It has its mythological history even today.

To reach Villoondi Theertham :

By Air:

Madurai is the nearest airport to Rameshwaram, which is located at a distance of 163 km away from Rameshwaram. Madurai is connected to many cities by air including Coimbatore, Chennai and Bangalore. International travellers have to get connecting flights from Chennai International airport. Pre-paid taxi services in Madurai airport charge about Rs 3500 to Rameshwaram.

By Rail:

Rameshwaram (Mandapan station just 2 km away) is well connected by rail with many south Indian cities including Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Thanjavur and Trichy.

By Road:

Tamil Nadu Road Transport Corporation buses connect Rameshwaram with all cities in Tamil Nadu, including Kanyakumari, Madurai, Trichy and Thanjavur. Overnight deluxe super fast buses connect Chennai and Bangalore with Rameshwaram; both cities are nearly 600 km away. The bus fare is about Rs 1700.

Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge (Pamban Bridge)

Pamban Bridge

Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge (Pamban Bridge) is the longest bridge in southern India. It connects Rameswaram Island to the main land. It's constructed over the bay. It is 7 kms away from Rameshwaram and is also called the Pambam Bridge as it is located beside Pamban, the sacred place where Rama could quench the thirst of Sita by throwing an arrow in the place where they could actually retrieve cool water.

The place has its historical evidence as well as is a good and strong bridge from the point of construction. The ships too can be passed under the bridge and all other vehicles above the bridge and hence it is most convenient means of communication for all different kinds of means of communication.

According to Dr Narayanan, the bridge is located at the "world's second highly corrosive environment", next to Miami, US, making the construction a challenging job. The location is also a cyclone-prone high wind velocity zone.

Places to See in Rameswaram

1- Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple

2- Agnitheertham

3- Gandamadana Parvatham

4- Sugreevar Temple/Theertham

5- Satchi Hanuman Temple

6- Badrakaliamman Temple

7- The Five-faced Hanuman Temple

8- JadaTheertham

9- Nambu Nayagiamman Temple

10- Kothandaramaswamy Temple

11- Dhanushkodi

12- Villoondi Theertham

13- Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge (Pamban Bridge)

Rameswaram

Rameswaram is a town in Ramanathapuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on Pamban Island separated from mainland India by the Pamban channel and is about 50 kilometres from Mannar Island, Sri Lanka. It is located at the very tip of Indian peninsula.

Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, is connected to mainland India by the Pamban Bridge. Rameswaram is the terminus of the railway line from Chennai and Madurai. Together with Kashi, it is considered to be one of the holiest places in India to Hindus, and part of the Char Dham pilgrimages. Hence, it is a bustling pilgrim centre.

According to history, Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana were adviced by Rishis to install and worship Sivalinga here to expiate the sin of Brahmahatya (killing of a Brahmin). (Ravana, the son of Vishrava and the great grandson of Brahma). Rama fixed an auspicious time for the installation and sent Anjaneya to Mount Kailas to bring a lingam. As Anjaneya could not return in time, Sita herself made a linga of sand. When Anjaneya returned with a linga from Mount Kailas the rituals had been over. To comfort the disappointed Anjaneya, Rama had Anjaneya’s lingam (Visvalingam) also installed by the side of Ramalinga, and ordained that rituals be performed first to the Visvalingam.

Travel to Rameswaram

By plane :- Nearest Airport in Madurai - 174 km Indian Airlines connect’s Madurai with Chennai, Thiruchi, Bangalore and Mumbai.

By train :- Connected with all major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Karaikudi, Trichy, Thanjavur and Palghat.

By road :- Connected with all important towns of Tamil Nadu, City Buses are available including night services. Point to Point services, Tourist taxi, auto / cycle rickshaws and horse carts are also available.The taxi charges for a small car (Indica) is around Rupees 5 per KM. It costs around Rupees 1800 for return trip from Madurai to Rameswaram. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport corporation ( APSRTC ) operates Rameswaram – Tripathi daily service.